What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?

In this article, we will engage in a series of conversations between a Catholic and a Jehovah’s witness to address the claims made in the JW article “What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?” We will seek to provide a Catholic viewpoint based on Scripture and explain the Catholic teaching on the matter. Each conversation will focus on a specific claim from the JW article, allowing for a back-and-forth dialogue.

Conversation 1: The Observance of Christmas

JW: The Bible does not give the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. Therefore, the observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment or New Testament origin.

Catholic: While it is true that the Bible does not explicitly provide the date of Jesus’ birth, it does not discourage the celebration either. The Catholic Church commemorates the birth of Jesus on December 25th, not as a divine mandate but as a symbolic feast. We see in the Scriptures that the birth of Jesus was celebrated with great joy by the angels, shepherds, and wise men (Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-11). Celebrating His birth can be a beautiful way to acknowledge the tremendous gift of salvation that God has given us through His Son.

JW: But doesn’t the Bible say that we offend God if we worship Him in a way He does not approve of?

Catholic: Yes, Exodus 32:5-7 mentions the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, which rightfully brought God’s anger upon them. However, that particular incident does not mean that all forms of worship that are not explicitly mandated in Scripture are automatically offensive to God. The choice to celebrate Christmas is not an act of worship in a way that displeases God. It is a cultural and religious tradition that honors the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Conversation 2: History of Christmas Customs

JW: The customs associated with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating, have clear pagan origins. Church leaders likely chose December 25th to coincide with pagan festivals held during the winter solstice.

Catholic: While it is true that some customs associated with Christmas have pagan roots, they have been transformed and given Christian meaning over time. The Catholic Church has a long history of adopting and sanctifying cultural practices, purifying them of their original meaning or incorporating them into Christian devotion. Gift-giving, for example, can be seen as a reflection of the Magi presenting gifts to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). We understand that the celebration of Christ’s birth has overshadowed some pagan festivals, transforming them into acts of honoring God.

JW: But didn’t Europeans decorate their homes with lights and evergreens as part of pagan celebrations?

Catholic: While the use of lights and evergreen decorations may have had pagan origins, they have come to symbolize the Light of Christ and eternal life in the Catholic tradition. Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and we believe that the light and beauty displayed during Christmas reflect His glorious presence among us. Just as the decorated evergreen tree illustrates the promise of the sun’s return after the darkest days of winter, we see it as a symbol of the eternal life brought by Christ’s birth.

In this series of conversations, we addressed the claims made in the Jehovah’s witness article “What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?” We provided a Catholic viewpoint, grounded in Scripture, to explain the Catholic teaching on the matter.

Key Catholic teachings discussed include:

• The celebration of Christmas is not a divine mandate but a way to commemorate and honor the birth of Jesus.
• The observance of Christmas is not considered offensive to God unless it involves worship contrary to His will.
• The Catholic Church has a history of adopting and transforming cultural customs, including those with pagan origins, to reflect Christian beliefs.
• The customs associated with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating, have been given Christian meaning and significance.

Scriptural references used in support of these teachings:

• Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-11 - The joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth by the angels, shepherds, and wise men.
• Exodus 32:5-7 - The caution against worshiping in a way that displeases God.
• Matthew 2:11 - The Magi presenting gifts to Jesus.
• John 8:12 - Jesus proclaiming Himself the light of the world.

In summary, Catholics believe that the celebration of Christmas provides an opportunity to honor and rejoice in the birth of Jesus, our Savior. While some customs associated with Christmas may have pagan origins, they have been transformed and given Christian meaning. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for the gift of salvation brought by Jesus’ incarnation.